Alanna's Tear-drop Spider Argyrodes alannae Grostal, 1999
Fauna Portal species: 9268
Argyrodes alannae male, dorsal (HBI N30977-43; Port Lincoln, near Surfleet Cove Campground, South Australia)
Image: V.W. Framenau (2025)
Fauna Portal Image No. 11174Diagnosis
(after Grostal 1999): Pedipalp and cephalothorax of male A. alannae are diagnostic. Extension of median apophysis broad and tongue-like distally; embolus broad and evenly-tapering. Clypeal projection conspicuous, but shorter and broader relative to cephalic projection than for remaining species (except for A. fissifrons). However, clypeal projection is pointed for A. fissifrons, but rounded for A. alannae. Anterior lateral eyes and posterior lateral eyes of A. alannae at base of cephalic projection, unlike for A. antipodianus, A. miniaceus or A. rainbowi. Argyrodes wolfi Strand also appears similar to A. alannae. However, for males, clypeal projection of A. wolfi is relatively long and parallel to cephalic projection; clypeal projection of A. alannae is shorter and distally diverging from cephalic projection. Female A. alannae can be separated by epigyne morphology. Gonopores of A. alannae are hidden under thick, trapezoid, upraised plate.
Status
- native
Linnean Holotype
Australia
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
Fauna Portal Records
The map shows all records that have been verified as part of the Fauna Portal project and may not represent the true distribution of a species. Specifically, for described species, check the link to the Atlas of Living Australia on this page for potential wider distributions. Fauna Portal Reference specimens and Linnean types are shown in red. If you identified a specimen that exceeds the distribution of an undescribed species as illustrated here, please contact the Fauna Portal team who can assist with the lodgement of the specimen in a public institution and display on the map.
Similar Species
Publications
(1999): Five species of kleptobiotic Argyrodes Simon (Theridiidae: Araneae) from eastern Australia: descriptions and ecology with special reference to southeastern Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 43: 621 - 638